Ellie Kildunne returns for England’s semi-final game against France
England are on a 31-game winning streak
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England coach John Mitchell has restored Zoe Harrison to the starting fly-half position for the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against France. She replaces Holly Aitchison, who started in the quarter-final win over Scotland.
Fullback Ellie Kildunne returns to the starting XV after clearing concussion protocols. Prop Hannah Botterman, who missed the Scotland game with a back issue, is also fit to start. Their return strengthens both the backline and the scrum for the Red Roses.
Abbie Ward comes into the starting forward pack in place of Rosie Galligan, adding further experience to the lock combination. Helena Rowland and Kelsey Clifford drop to the bench, while Aitchison also moves to the replacements, providing Mitchell with strong playmaking cover.
Harrison, 27, will win her 64th cap in this match at Ashton Gate. Alongside Kildunne’s return, the presence of Harrison, Aitchison, and Rowland in the 23 ensures England have multiple creative options. The Red Roses go into the semi-final aiming to extend their 31-match unbeaten run.
“Ashton Gate set the stage for a strong performance in tough conditions last weekend, and the girls are eager to get back out there for the semi-final," said Mitchell.
“We’ve earned this stage, and now we’ve got another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and is the right way; by working together we’ll keep getting better.
“France have faced challenges, and that will drive them – we expect it. We don’t need to be perfect, just effective, focused, and ready for the fight. We’re excited and ready to hunt them.”
England XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt, 8 Alex Matthews, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Zoe Aldcroft (c), 5 Abbie Ward, 4 Morwenna Talling, 3 Maud Muir, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Hannah Botterman
Reserves: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland
